Unimak Island

by Ashton Goodell Thursday, May 27, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The state Board of Game has extended wolf hunting and trapping on the western side of Unimak Island in an effort they say will keep caribou in the area from going extinct. In an emergency meeting Wednesday, the board voted 4-1 to extend the hunting season. The board chairman says the decision won't stop the herd's decline, but that it will slow it down. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game claims that caribou have a difficult time breeding because of the dwindling numbers.

by Jackie Bartz Tuesday, May 25, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The battle over killing wolves in a national wildlife refuge could peak next week. The state shows no sign of backing off of its plan to start shooting wolves on June 1, but the federal Fish and Wildlife Service says it will take legal action if that happens.  Officials for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Alaska Department of Fish and Game say they want to work together to manage the caribou herd on Unimak Island, but the problem is that they have very different ideas about how soon they need to act.  On the verge of extinction: that's how the Department of Fish and Game sees it.       "The Unimak Island caribou herd is in a steep decline.

by Mary Pemberton The Associated Press Monday, May 24, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A federal agency is threatening to take legal action if the state of Alaska kills wolves inside a national wildlife refuge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Monday that if the Alaska Department of Fish and Game proceeds with its plans to kill wolves on Unimak Island without a special use permit, the Fish and Wildlife Service will consider it trespassing and refer the issue to the U.S. Attorney.